OFFSHORE BILLFISH BITE ERRATIC FOR RANCHO LEONERO CHARTER BOATS

May 7, 2005, John Ireland, Rancho Leonero, East Cape, Baja Sur, Mexico Fishing:

Typical East Cape spring fishing weather, cool mornings in the 60's and afternoon highs to the mid 80's, with clear, sunny days and mostly calm mornings with some afternoon breezes. Variable water temperature 73-77 degrees, up to 80 degrees off Cerralvo.

The East Cape bite has moved north, following the warmer water, with most species being picky biters this week. With the rapidly warming water, expect more consistent fishing to resume at any time.

The billfish bite has moved about 30 miles north, with lots of striped marlin being sighted with sailfish mixed in. The bite is erratic, with a hot bite one day followed by nothing the next, with fish taking live bait and trolled lures equally well.

Tuna remain way outside, about 50 miles off Los Frailes. It's hit-or-miss for football-sized fish under porpoise taking live bait, cedar plugs and hoochies.

Dorado fishing at East Cape has moved outside, spread throughout the bay, with lots of fish being sighted but few biters. Some nice dorado to 40 pounds taking exclusively live bait.

Inside, some roosterfish and jacks on the reefs from Leonero to the lighthouse, taking mostly live bait.